Ogwel challenges motorsport federation to draw up investment plan
“We have an allocated budget specifically for investment into sporting facilities," Dr Ogwel revealed. "Bring your strategic development blueprint and a clear facility investment plan, and we will fund you.”
Dr Patrick Bernard Ogwel
The National Council of Sports (NCS) general secretary, Dr Patrick Bernard Ogwel, has challenged the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) to present a strategic infrastructure and development plan to secure government funding.
Ogwel made the call on August 21, 2026, while addressing the national motocross team at the NCS offices in Lugogo shortly before flagging them off for the FIM Motocross of African Nations (FIM MXOAN).
The continental showpiece is scheduled to take place from August 28 to 30 at the Gallina Motocross Park in Windhoek, Namibia.
“We have an allocated budget specifically for investment into sporting facilities," Dr Ogwel revealed. "Bring your strategic development blueprint and a clear facility investment plan, and we will fund you.”
The 34-rider Ugandan contingent, which features seven female racers and two team officials, received a boost after Ogwel confirmed that the Government had fully sponsored the expedition.
“I am routinely flagging off adult teams, but it is an absolute privilege to send off this great team of young stars," Ogwel added. "The government has fully backed this trip. Go out there, fly the flag high, and perform to your best.”
Team captain Gift Ssebuguzi expressed readiness for the continental battle, vowing that the team would fight for a podium finish.
“We have put in rigorous training sessions ahead of this trip," Ssebuguzi stressed. "Team Uganda is united, ready, and we are going to excel in Namibia.”
Hamidu Gombe, the acting FMU president, commended the Government's intervention in grassroots sports development, noting that corporate and state alignment is vital for creating a sustainable sporting niche.
“NCS has fully funded this 34-member delegation," Gombe confirmed. "A total of UGX 290 million has been invested across all competing rider categories, including the 50cc, 65cc, MX Lites, MX125, WMX, MX2, MX1, MX Veterans, and MX Masters classes.”
Uganda last tasted continental glory in 2012 when they lifted the title on home soil at the Uganda Motocross Arena in Busiika. The team secured a respectable third-place finish at the 2025 edition, where South Africa maintained its regional dominance.
Uganda's individual continental gold medallists
2024: Stav Orland (MX2 Class)
2022: Gift Ssebuguzi (MX85 Class)
2018: Stav Orland (85cc Class)